United unveils stunning next-generation Polaris cabins with caviar service and much more
Nearly a decade since Polaris was introduced, United Airlines is out with its next-generation business-class experience.
After weeks of anticipation, the Chicago-based carrier has officially unveiled the all-new cabins that will debut on its upcoming Boeing 787 Dreamliner deliveries later this year.
Dubbed the United Elevate interior, the new cabins introduce major upgrades in the pointy end of the plane, as well as some other exciting enhancements for those seated in the back.
This all comes at a time when airlines worldwide are investing more in the premium experience. United, for its part, already offers some of the most premium-heavy configurations on its wide-body jets, but these new cabins are easily taking that title. With a whopping 99 premium seats, flyers will have no shortage of options to escape economy.
All in all, there’s a lot to get excited about, starting with United’s all-new cabin, the Polaris Studio.
First-ever United Polaris Studio
United will introduce its first-ever business-class-plus product onboard its new 787 Dreamliners. The Polaris Studio will be located in the bulkhead of the two business-class cabins and feature a slew of additional amenities.
In total, there will be eight Polaris Studios on upcoming 787-9 Dreamliners spread across two bulkhead rows in a 1-2-1 layout.
In terms of the product itself, Polaris Studio pods will feature larger living spaces with ottomans for companions to visit or dine together during the flight. They’ll also have sliding doors for additional privacy.
The pods also feature a whopping 27-inch 4K OLED touchscreen display, making it the largest entertainment system offered by a U.S. airline.
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Other tech improvements include Bluetooth connectivity for pairing your wireless headphones to the entertainment system, Qi wireless charging pads, USB-C ports and universal AC electrical outlets.
The Polaris Studio can be controlled digitally, and the product features quartzite tables, a wool-blend seat finish and wood-grain trim — all high-end touches that United believes will elevate your onboard experience.
Aside from the upgraded seat, Polaris Studio passengers will enjoy an exclusive collection of amenities. This includes hoodie-style pajamas, slippers, new noise-cancelling headphones powered by Meridian technology, exclusive amenity kits featuring Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ products, United-branded playing cards (a nod to the glory days of flying) and a velvet throw pillow.
Better yet, the dining experience will also include a selection of Studio-exclusive choices, such as an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, a post-dessert specialty snack box, exclusive pre-order entree options and Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé.
On the ground, Polaris Studio customers will have access to Global Reception check-in areas, previously reserved exclusively for Global Services members, as well as tarmac transfers on a surprise-and-delight basis.
United says that it will price Polaris Studio suites differently from regular Polaris seats, but it stopped short of providing any additional details (as well as whether mileage redemptions or PlusPoints can be used to confirm a flight in these pods).
United is the latest carrier to introduce a business-class-plus offering. This product strategically takes advantage of the bulkhead’s curvature and location to offer an extra-spacious experience packaged as a unique product.
In the U.S., we’ve seen American and JetBlue introduce similar business-class-plus products, while some international airlines, like Starlux and Etihad, call these seats true first class. (Interestingly, United is going with the same “studio” nomenclature to JetBlue — perhaps yet another clue that the two airlines are perhaps on the verge of announcing a big partnership.)
It’ll be interesting to see whether United can deliver the service needed to really make the Polaris Studio shine (and worth the upcharge), but for now, we’ll count this as a really exciting development.
New standard United Polaris cabins
Behind the new Polaris Studios are 56 Polaris business-class suites.
For the first time ever, the Polaris pods will feature sliding doors for enhanced privacy and two unique cabin configurations.
The United Elevate 787-9 Dreamliner will have two Polaris cabins. The forward cabin will have Polaris seats that face away from the aisle, while the second cabin will have seats that face toward the aisle. The former configuration should be preferred by individual travelers, while the latter layout is perfect for those flying together.
Better yet, the center seats in the second Polaris cabin will offer privacy dividers that lower to bed height, making it easier to relax with loved ones during your flight.
In total, United will offer 14 rows of Polaris seats in a 1-2-1 layout, totaling 56 pods, an 8-pod increase from the existing 787-9 Dreamliner configuration.
The seats themselves will offer a Bluetooth-enabled 19-inch 4K OLED display (three inches larger than the existing suite), four charging options, digital seat controls and more. United will install the Panasonic Astrova entertainment system on these planes.
The Polaris cabin on these new planes will also feature a grab-and-go snack bar that’ll be stocked between meal services. This joins other recently debuted Polaris dining enhancements, such as new printed menus, dishware and refreshed wines.
United says it will continue to make (much-needed) investments in the Polaris food and beverage service. These enhancements include regional menus that will rotate monthly, new breakfast breads, bottled salad dressings, an updated midflight snack basket and the addition of an Aperol spritz to the drink menu.
Although not explicitly mentioned in United’s press release, the airline confirmed to TPG that it is making one major change for families traveling with infants; the airline is removing all bassinets from the Polaris cabins on these planes.
New United Premium Plus cabins
United is also making a big investment in premium economy with the introduction of 35 Premium Plus recliners on the Elevate 787-9 jets.
There will be five rows of Premium Plus in a 2-3-2 configuration, and while the seats will still largely resemble domestic first class, they will offer a few new bells and whistles.
This includes privacy wings with a built-in reading light, as well as dedicated water bottle and headphone storage areas. 4K OLED entertainment screens will measure 16 inches.
New United Economy cabins
Meanwhile, in economy, United will offer 13-inch, 4K OLED screens featuring Bluetooth connectivity and six power outlets per row.
The shell-like seat bottom moves as the seat reclines, which United says will enhance relaxation.
These planes will have 33 extra-legroom Economy Plus seats and 90 standard economy seats in total, spread across 15 rows in a 3-3-3 layout.
As part of the product updates, United will introduce an enhanced dining experience in economy. This includes the introduction of a third main meal choice and new dessert options, as well as a coursed appetizer served before the full lunch or dinner service.
When will United’s new cabins fly?
There are 140 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners on their way to United, and the first batch of 787-9s will be based in San Francisco. The airline will inaugurate the Elevate cabins on its route from San Francisco to Singapore in early 2026, followed by service to London. The delivery of the first United 787-9 with Elevate cabins is expected before the end of the year, and at least 30 new aircraft will join the fleet by 2027.
The airline will eventually rotate these planes across other hubs, but it’s not ready to say when that will happen.
United also isn’t ready to say if (or when) it will retrofit the cabins on existing wide-body jets, but it’s safe to say that the soon-to-be-retired Boeing 767s will never see these cabins.
As for the existing Boeing 777s and 787s, hopefully, United will eventually get around to retrofitting these planes with the Elevate cabins.
Bottom line
United Airlines is out with its most advanced and premium cabin configuration ever.
The airline is introducing an all-new business-class-plus product, dubbed Polaris Studio, and it’s refreshing the Polaris experience with new seats, sliding doors, upgraded tech and enhanced amenities.
Even those seated in the back are in for an upgrade on these new 787 Dreamliners.
Hopefully, all of these new premium seats will lead to more award and upgrade availability because I, for one, can’t wait to fly on one of these planes.
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